You will need to sign on with your LLLID (La Leche League ID) before you can post. If you have never claimed your LLLID, create your LLLID now. To sign in, click the LLLID Sign On button in the upper right corner. Enter your LLLID Alias and click the button again.

Block-feedings

For those of you who have block-fed to control over-supply or OALD, I was wondering...

Is block-feeding a temporary improvement? Is it only done so that there is relief during the time when you block-feed? Or does it "mildly" wean your breasts so that the permanent supply reduces to a baby-managable level?

If it is the latter, then how long does it generally take to decrease supply- days, weeks, or months? And how do you know when it's working, and when you should stop?

Re: Block-feedings

Since I lengthened the "blocks" to four hours, it seems to be helping slightly already, but I still don't know wether it's permanent or if I should just keep on block-feeding. How do I know when to go back to normal feedings? (Normal for us is one breast per feeding, alternating sides each time)

Re: Block-feedings

I block fed for about a month. Switched back to switching breasts each feeding (mostly), although still one breast per feeding mostly, and I haven't seen green poo yet, so I think we've gotten it beat!

Re: Block-feedings

Thank you, Kate! I think the plugged ducts were a sort of blessing in disguise... I have a feeling they were responsible for the supply reduction. Not to say I liked them, but at least I came away from the experience with something positive.

I still have an obvious oversupply/OALD, but the spray is much shorter (time-wise) and after 7 hours of sleeping, I'm not nearly as engoged as I used to be (still engorged, but not rock-hard!)